Regina city council is being asked to approve $1.3 million in funding for upgrades to the 40-year-old Brandt Centre ahead of the 2018 Memorial Cup tournament at the facility.
The request was put forward by Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) and the 2018 Memorial Cup Committee, led by members of Queen City Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the WHL Regina Pats.
The requested funding would be used along with dollars committed by REAL and the Memorial Cup Committee, the association said in a news release Friday.
The renovation plan includes new arena boards and glass; improvements to the lighting and sound system; additions and improvements to VIP, media and fan seating and hospitality spaces; dressing room improvements and supporting team amenities; washroom improvements and upgrades for on- and off-ice officials.
The total cost is pegged at $4.06 million, with $1.5 committed by REAL and $1.23 million from the Memorial Cup Committee. The remaining $1.3 million is being requested from the City of Regina.
“We’ve worked closely with the Memorial Cup Committee to determine the necessary upgrades to the Brandt Centre,” REAL president and CEO Mark Allan said in the release.
“We’re putting forward the funding request in partnership with the committee with sights on the 2018 event, and our organization also wants to ensure the facility will continue providing benefit to the community for years. We look forward to the 2018 Memorial Cup and putting on a great event for hockey fans.”
REAL says the renovation plan will ensure the Brandt Centre meets requirements established by the Canadian Hockey League and will improve the facility for future major events and long-term use by the community. The 2018 Memorial Cup alone is expected to generate more than $11 million in economic activity.
The City of Regina owns the land and buildings at Evraz Place, including the Brandt Centre, and REAL acts as steward of all assets on the 100-acre property. Since 2014, the association has operated as a not-for-profit municipal corporation with oversight from a volunteer board of directors appointed by the City of Regina.
